"For those who say he shouldn't go, we say he should go because the Bible says it's better to give than to receive," Matthews said.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- As Birmingham Mayor William Bell participates in activities related to unrest in Ferguson, Mo, his supporters back home are holding their own rally of support.

Frank Matthews and his Outcast Voters League has organized a prayer rally for the mayor at 3 p.m. today on 20th Street, just outside Birmingham City Hall.

"I know prayer changes things, and the mayor has always been a prayerful person," Matthews said, noting Bell's previous faith-based activities with him. "We will pray for a successful trip for our mayor as he answers the challenges of the world."

"The mayor was asked to go there, so wherever the mayor goes he automatically represents us, so we should pray for the mayor," Mathews said.

Bell has said he is participating in the Ferguson activities to quell tension and help seek a resolution to the immediate and more complex problems there.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder last week visited the distressed community, and weeks of unrest has mostly dissipated since then.

Bell's African American Mayors Association was founded this summer, and is separate from the older and larger National Conference of Black Mayors. Members split from the 40-year-old organization to create a new group.

Bell is also part of a committee created by the U.S. Conference of Mayors which will make policy recommendations addressing issues surrounding the incident.

Matthews, a longtime Bell political associate, said the mayor is answering the call to bring peace and calm to Missouri.

Bell he said he brings a perspective to the Mo. situation as a first-hand witness to protests, putdowns and finally reform in Birmingham.

"For those who say he shouldn't go, we say he should go because the Bible says it's better to give than to receive," Matthews defended. "And for those who say that 'charity should begin at home,' that's not scriptural."